WASHINGTON  Preliminary results from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries released today show a decline in workplace fatalities in 2009 compared with 2008. Last year, 4,340 workers died from work-related injuries, down from a final count of 5,214 fatal work injuries in 2008. In response, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement:

"A single worker hurt or killed on the job is one too many.

"While a decrease in the number of fatal work injuries is encouraging, we cannot  and will not  relent from our continued strong enforcement of workplace safety laws.

"As the economy regains strength and more people re-enter the workforce, the Department of Labor will remain vigilant to ensure America’s workers are kept safe while they earn a paycheck. After all, as I’ve said before, no job is a good job unless it is also safe."